Leading Top 6 Dairy Companies in the World

The global dairy market reached US$ 944.7 Billion in 2023. The market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter, due to population growth, changing dietary habits, and consumer preferences. In addition, the increasing health consciousness among individuals represents another major growth-inducing factor. Besides this, various advancements in technology have improved the production efficiency, quality, and safety of dairy products, leading to increased supply and potentially lower prices. This, coupled with the introduction of innovative product variants with high-quality ingredients and more appealing packaging, is positively influencing the market growth.

As per the analysis by IMARC Group, the top dairy companies are launching functional and organic dairy products that are low in calories, enriched with omega 3, and contain specific proteins, bioactive peptides, vitamins, antioxidants, probiotic bacteria, organic acids, and oligosaccharides, to expand their consumer base. For instance, in March 2022, the Activia Brand of Danone launched its new yogurt drink Activia+ in the United States and other North American countries. These products are available in strawberry, peach, and raspberry flavors. Moreover, several leading market players are launching products in different countries to strengthen their foothold in the market. For instance, Arla Foods introduced organic milk in the Middle East market to expand its reach outside Europe. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 1,459.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.95% during 2024-2032.

Learn about opportunities, challenges, and trends in the global dairy market with IMARC’s market research report. Try a free sample today!

List of Top Companies and Manufacturers Operating in the Dairy Industry Worldwide:

The global dairy market has several major players including Nestlé S.A, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Royal FriesandCampina N.V, Arla Foods amba, Danone S.A, and Lactalis Group. More information about these companies has been provided below. 

1. Nestlé S.A.

Nestlé is a multinational food and beverage company that has become one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world. Its product portfolio includes a wide range of brands and products, including baby food, bottled water, cereals, chocolate and confectionery, coffee, dairy products, pet food, and more. Some of its well-known brands include Nescafe, KitKat, Smarties, Gerber, Purina, and Perrier. Presently, the company operates in more than 180 countries around the world and employs over 300,000 people.

2. Fonterra Co-operative Group

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited collects, manufactures, and sells milk and milk-derived products. It offers milk powders, cream, yogurt, butter, and cheese products. It also operates consumer goods and food service businesses. In addition, the company operates 65 Farm Source stores and provides its products under the Anmum, Anlene, NZMP, Farm Source, Anchor, De Winkel, Fresh 'n Fruity, Kapiti, Mainland, Piako, Primo, Mammoth, Perfect Italiano, and Symbio brands. Presently, Fonterra operates in more than 100 countries and has manufacturing facilities and offices across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and America.

3. Royal FriesandCampina N.V.

FrieslandCampina is a dairy co-operative that produces and markets a wide range of dairy products. It is among the world’s largest dairy co-operatives and dairy companies in the world. Its diverse product portfolio includes milk, cheese, butter, infant nutrition products, beverages, and various ingredients such as milk powder, cream, and butterfat, which are used by food manufacturers in various food applications. At present, the company offers products in 100 countries through marketing and sales offices, partners and distributors under a number of well-known brands, including Campina, Milner, and Frico.

4. Arla Foods amba

Arla Foods is a multinational dairy company owned by around 10,000 dairy farmers from Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The company’s product portfolio includes a wide range of dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, cream, yogurts, and desserts. The company operates in over 100 countries and has a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some of the key brands in Arla Foods' portfolio include Arla, Lurpak, Castello, and Puck. Arla Foods has also invested in new technology and innovation to improve the quality and efficiency of its dairy production.

5. Danone S.A.

Danone is a multinational food company that operates in four business segments, namely Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, Waters, Early Life Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition. Its product portfolio includes a range of dairy and plant-based products, bottled water, infant nutrition products, and medical nutrition products. Some of the well-known brands under Danone's portfolio include Activia, Actimel, Evian, Volvic, Aptamil, and Nutricia. In recent years, Danone has launched new products, such as plant-based yogurts and milk alternatives under its existing brands.

6. Lactalis Group

Lactalis is a French multinational dairy company that is one of the largest dairy companies in the world. Its product portfolio includes a wide range of dairy products such as milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, and infant nutrition products. The company operates in more than 100 countries worldwide and has a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Some of the well-known brands under Lactalis' portfolio include Président, Galbani, Parmalat, Bridel, and Lactel. The company is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the welfare of its cows. In addition to its focus on sustainability, Lactalis has a strong emphasis on innovation and has launched several new products in recent years. The company has also made several acquisitions in the dairy industry to expand its global presence and product offerings.

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